Bridge to the Future

i-Bridge, four elements with integrated functions (Courtesy of Team Italia)

Team Italia’s new integrated bridge allows captains and crew to easily monitor and operate machinery and systems.

As yachts become larger and larger, owners and captains spend more time working with shipyard technical departments, sub-contractors and interior designers to integrate all sorts of equipment. Thanks to new technologies and software, integrated bridges are more sophisticated and user-friendly than earlier generations.

The i-Bridge Four Islands by Team Italia is a noteworthy example of this trend. NauticExpo e-mag had the chance to see the clean, attractive layout of the prototype and talk to company CEO Massimo Minnella. “Compared to our previous integrated bridges, we designed the Four Islands with new layouts and functions according to the requests of captains and yacht owners to further enhance integration among all equipment on board.”

Minnella added, “We created an integrated bridge with multifunction workstations for increased efficiency and flexible installation.”

Tailored Integrated Bridge

The modules have been designed to adapt to every type of yacht and wheelhouse. They include four elements, or islands with integrated functions: a central bridge console, two internal wings and a planning station. The central console unites all navigational data, as well as information from and controls for engines, generators and other main machinery.

i-Bridge Four Islands ergonomia (Courtesy of Team Italia)

“All functions are incorporated into sleek, contemporary, all-glass modules with fantastic touchscreens, making it possible to integrate all kinds of data and conning information,” said Minnella. “Whatever combination you want, we tailor your integrated bridge accordingly.”

i-Bridge Four Islands stands out for its clear, consistent, versatile human-machine interface.

Among its many innovations, the i-Bridge Four Islands features the first head-up display (HUD) for large yachts. It has a 55-inch, 90% transparent display with a wide viewing angle. Both night and day settings are available. Both settings offer three different data sets. Conning mode shows wind, current and other information needed for maneuvering. The second configuration combines this with a radar or chartplotter display. The third option shows course and associated information in real-time 3D.

Highlighting the system’s advantages, Minnella said that the i-Bridge Four Islands stands out for its clear, consistent, versatile human-machine interface, facilitating intuitive operation.